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3 Devastating Side Effects Associated with Opiate Use

As one of the most abused drugs in the United States, opiates are easily accessible because they are readily prescribed by doctors for pain relief. Opiates, whether prescription painkillers or heroin, are derived from the chemicals found in opium poppies and are highly addictive. If not taken correctly with oversight from a licensed medical provider, using opiates can cause a drug addiction that’s hard to overcome.

Brightside Clinic understands the hard battle with opiate addiction and works with patients to get back on the right track.

Side Effects That Coincide with Opiate Abuse:

1. Daytime Sedation

Eliciting a profound sense of drowsiness, the use of opiates causes its victims to slip in and out of consciousness throughout the day. Daytime sedation from opiate use does not only put the user in danger, but it also puts others in danger if the user is operating any sort of vehicle or machinery.

2. Respiratory Depression

An opiate drug dependence causes damage in users’ lungs as well. Prolonged use of opiates results in respiratory depression, which significantly slows breathing. If the respiratory depression is severe, the lack of air provided to the body can create debilitating injury to your lungs and can even be fatal.

3. Wreaks Havoc in Digestive Tract

Opiate use has a negative impact to your digestive tract. Abuse of opiates slows the digestive transit, causing constipation, nausea, and uncontrollable vomiting in users. If these become prolonged symptoms, greater problems can arise, such as bowel obstruction or perforation.

Always seek drug addiction treatment from a specialized recovery center. With multiple locations near Chicago, the Brightside Clinic can help you or your loved ones get back to the healthy, fulfilling life they deserve.